Structure Topology Optimization of Internal Combustion Engine Connecting Rode Using Finite Element Analysis

摘要

The connecting rods are widely used in variety of internal combustion (IC) engine to transmit the thrust of the piston to the crankshaft and results into conversion of the reciprocating motion of piston to the rotational motion of crankshaft. The connecting rod has a complex geometry. Also, it faces a lot of tensile and compressive loads generated by mass and fuel combustion, during its life time. These loads results in axial and bending stresses. Bending stresses appear due to eccentricities, crankshaft, case wall deformation, and rotational mass force; therefore, a connecting rod must be capable of transmitting axial tension/compression and bending stresses caused by the thrust and pull on the piston and by the centrifugal force. The concept of structural optimization has been more and more widely accepted in many engineering fields. The structural optimization can result in a much more reasonable and economical structure design. Topology optimization is the technique that finds the optimal layout of the structure within a specified design domain. Topology optimization techniques are relatively inexpensive, easy to implement, and can serve as a good starting point for further design improvements and better material utilization. This paper presents the structure topology optimization of internal combustion engine connecting rode using finite element analysis. The optimization algorithm is implemented using interface between Matlab and ANSYS. The FEA results are used to estimate the deflection stresses under subjected loads. The design is showed that significant potential improvement in the design configuration of connecting rod. The final optimal topology configuration of the connecting rode is shown and discussed.